Jack was about to go over and see what he could scavenge for his friends, when the pirate boy hastily approached. From under his arm, he produced a jug and swapped it for the empty one. Then, reaching into the folds of his jacket, he removed a couple of cooked fish and presented them to Jack.

‘More poison and salt water?’ enquired Jack bitterly.

‘No, it’s fresh,’ insisted the pirate boy. ‘And these are mackerel.’

Jack eyed the boy distrustfully.

‘Honest. Last time Skullface made me switch the water for a joke.’

‘Well, we’re not laughing,’ said Jack.

The pirate boy looked shamefaced. ‘Just take them before anyone notices,’ he urged. ‘I’m risking the whip for you.’

His stomach knotted with hunger, Jack grabbed the fish. He dipped a finger into the jug and tasted it. The water was fresh. Realizing the pirate boy was genuine, he bowed his head gratefully. ‘Thank you. What’s your name?’

‘Cheng.’

‘I’m Jack.’

Cheng grinned, the smile lighting up his whole face. The boy had delicate features, with high thin eyebrows, almond eyes and fine lips. His hair was tied into a short braid at the back and his body was lithe, yet deceptively strong. He didn’t appear to be the typical ninja pirate … or Japanese, for that matter.

‘Where are you from?’ asked Jack.

‘A village near Penglai, China.’ Cheng studied Jack with fascination. ‘I’ve never met anyone with golden hair before –’

‘Oi, cabin boy! What’s taking you so long?’

Skullface was standing at the bow with his gang, coiling ropes.

‘Just spitting in their food,’ Cheng shouted.

Skullface grunted appreciatively. ‘We’ll make a pirate of you yet!’

Cheng turned back to Jack, his eyes deep wells of sympathy. ‘I hope your friend lives,’ he whispered, before clambering out of the cage.

Jack’s faith in human nature was restored a little. Watching Cheng cross the deck back to the ship’s galley, he wondered how a Chinese boy like him had ever become involved with the Wind Demons.

He picked up the jug of fresh water and leant over Saburo. ‘Can you still swallow?’

Saburo blinked twice. With Yori’s help, Jack raised his friend’s head and offered him a few sips. Some dribbled out of the side of his mouth, but the water appeared to revive him. Jack gave Saburo a little more before letting his friend rest. Breaking apart the two fish with his fingers, he shared their precious meal.

‘Can Saburo have any?’ asked Jack.

Miyuki shook her head. ‘He might choke. Besides, we want the poison to pass through his system first.’

As a matter of courtesy, they sat out of Saburo’s sight while the three of them devoured the mouth-watering mackerel. Immediately Jack felt his strength return. But the vital meal was over all too quickly.